Tag: women’s sexual health

Access to sexual and reproductive health care among people with mental health conditions: a systematic review

A study led by Charlotte Spurway, Louise Jackson, Jonathan DC Ross, Michael Larkin was accepted for presentation at the 6th Joint Conference of BHIVA with BASHH-BHIVA in Liverpool on April 27, 2026.

According to research people with mental health conditions face poorer sexual health outcomes and additional
barriers to accessing healthcare including reproductive health (SRH) care which is key to preventing STIs and unintended pregnancy. It is, however unclear, how mental health specifically affects access to SRH.

The first part of the study conducted by Charlotte Spurway and colleagues was a literature review of the current state of access by people with mental health to sexual health clinics in the United States, Canada, and Spain.

The search revealed that across these countries people with mental health conditions face intersecting barriers to SRH care access. The authors concluded that:

  • Low-barrier, trauma-informed services improve engagement.
  • Stronger links between sexual health and mental health services are needed.
  • Sharing referral pathways across sexual health, primary care and community mental health services.

The authors’ recommendation:

  • Sharing referral pathways across sexual health, primary care and community mental health services
  • Targetted training; easing access to sexual health facilities and making them youth-friendly and confidential
  • Strengthening links with community organisations for outreach.
  • Targetted training.
  • Easing access to sexual health facilities and making them youth-friendly and confidential.
  • More research is needed to understand how different mental health conditions specifically affect use of SRH care.

The study (STIRF-52) was funded by STIRF with the help of Jo-Li Trust

Invitation to apply for research funding: 2020 round

We invite researchers in various fields related to sexual health, HIV and other sexually transmitted viruses to apply for research funds.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Foundation (STIRF) was set up to pump prime research projects relating to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, management, and health care delivery of sexually transmitted infections and HIV in the West Midlands, Trent, Yorkshire, Northern and North West regions.

The primary aim is to provide initial funding to allow promising projects from researchers early in their career to obtain preliminary results as a prelude to acquire further funds from larger funding bodies.

We invite applications from researchers in the above regions on projects relating to sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. All projects will be initially screened by the Scientific Committee of STIRF and those considered suitable will be sent for peer review by experts in the field.

The following fields of research will be considered in relation to STIs and HIV

  • Epidemiology of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
  • Research on HPV and other sexually transmissible malignancies
  • Health care delivery including views of clients
  • Issues relating to deprived or marginalised communities.
  • Pathophysiology of diseases and syndromes
  • Inter-relationship between diseases
  • Treatment modalities
  • Complications of treatment and co-morbidities

 

Applications should not exceed £50,000 in the first year. Depending on satisfactory reports a further £25,000 may be available for the second year. Joint funding with other grant giving bodies will be considered.

For further information and guidance on how to apply visit

https://stirf.org/application-for-research-funds-from-stirf/

 

Deadline for applications: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in line with other fund giving bodies, applications are suspended until further notice

Applications using the appropriate form downloaded from the STIRF web site should be sent with a short CV of the lead investigator by email to:

Dr Mohsen Shahmanesh, (Hon Secretary STIRF)

Stirfweb@gmail.com